Fitness

If you didn’t already know, one of the first things you will learn in medical school is that Ball is Life.  Life without ball is a lonely pit of despair, so fortunately WashU has some great facilities to keep you ballin.  Most med students go to the gym that is located on the ground floor of Olin Residence Hall. There is only one court, but it is pretty much always empty.  If you are a big baller and need to use the most expensive equipment ($495 shoes, for example), you can go to the undergraduate gym (the Sumer Rec Center) on the other side of the park.  It is usually more crowded, but there are more courts and other facilities in the same building. If you want to feel like playoff Lebron, join intramurals for a higher level of competition (also at the undergrad gym).  Finally, if you’re not that good at basketball, don’t worry — you can’t be worse than Alex S.  

Whether you are a complete novice (like myself) or a hardcore free climber who has scaled Half Dome, the climbing membership at Climb So iLL through the student group ClimbRx is a hard opportunity to pass up. The membership includes shoes, chalk, and harnesses, so it’s easy to get started. The gym also offers classes on belaying, but they do charge, so I suggest learning from a friend if you are interested. There will undoubtedly be people willing to teach you. If one gym isn’t enough for you, St. Louis has a second climbing gym, Upper Limits, just down the street. There isn’t a discounted membership, but if you are lucky you may run into Dr. Wichelman, who teaches the Emergency Medicine and Olin Grand Rounds selectives.

St. Louis is a great option if you prefer spending your free time in the saddle. There are a number of local bike shops, such as Mike’s Bikes just three blocks away from the medical campus. Every month, a group of ragtag cyclists gets together for a nighttime ghost ride (Google it!) as well. If you enjoy riding roads, there are a number of trails along the Mississippi and further out from the city. If you’re like me,  and have been a little lazy about scouting out good roads, Forest Park is always a great option, with a nice-six mile loop and with lovely Art Hill for interval training.

If you’re reading this, then you probably care about being fit (or swole, or yoked, or lean… whatever suits your fancy). Or maybe you don’t and you want to know if WashU will offer the chance to start. Either way, we have two homes for you: Olin Residence Hall (aka the SHAC) and the Danforth Campus (Sumer Center on the main/undergrad campus). Put simply, the Olin gym has everything you NEED, and the Sumer’s Rec Center has everything you WANT. Olin is open 24/7 and has essential machines, cardio equipment, a boxing bag, and ample free weights. There is also a basketball court in the basement. Sumer’s has all of these things, but it is bigger, and the equipment is newer. It also has a pool, more basketball courts, racquetball, and outdoor tennis courts nearby. There are also cool massage chairs you can sign up to use to get on that next-level workout recovery game.

If you’ve ever dreamed of taking your athletic talents to medical school, then WashU Intramurals are your chance to compete at the highest level of play. Whether your contest of choice is flag football, basketball, softball, or beer pong, there are opportunities for champions from all walks of life to prove themselves. Fame, glory, honour — all those and more can be yours should you choose to take up the gauntlet. Will you accept the challenge?

I started a ping pong club this year to get everyone as good at ping pong as Drake & Josh were in that one episode (go to Youtube if you don’t get that reference). We play pretty often, and it’s a great mix between competitive and completely ridiculous. Some of our club members have tried to play with spatulas and others have come prepared with lines from Call of Duty to utter every time they hit a great shot or win a game. It’s a great crew and we plan on hosting tournaments starting next year with draws including both faculty and students. Definitely join Table Tetanus!

St. Louis is a great place to run! The Central West End is conveniently located next to Forest Park, which is my favorite place to go running. It features a six-mile path around the perimeter, as well as a plethora of scenic trails that weave their way past the museums, ponds, and zoo on the inside. For longer runs, I often continue through the Danforth Campus and Clayton neighborhoods west of the park before circling my way back. I have also heard that there are great trails in Tower Grove Park (about three miles away from campus) and downtown by the Gateway Arch and the Mississippi River! With sidewalks on every street, just enough hills to keep things interesting, and great weather, St. Louis really has all you could want. Lastly, if you enjoy racing, St. Louis hosts a marathon and half marathon in the spring in addition to numerous 5K’s throughout the year!

First thing you gotta do if you’re reading this is join the ACE Inhibitors, the tennis club at WUSM. We often hit in Hudlin Park (next to campus) or at the Forest Park tennis courts. Something most people don’t know is that tennis can be played in the winter here, at a place called Chesterfield Athletic Complex. It’s an adventure ( a 20-minute drive) but the indoor courts there are lightning quick and really fun to play on during all seasons. And if you’re into watching tennis, hit me up! I wake up throughout the year at ungodly hours to watch tournaments and Federer matches. #GOAT #3amAustralianOpen

Yoga has the power to transform your body and mind. Whether you want to be stronger, more flexible, or less stressed, anyone can benefit from a regular yoga practice. There are many opportunities around campus for medical students to start or deepen their practice. The most convenient one is located in the medical school! The Yoga Club offers yoga classes in the FLTC classrooms twice a week, including Vinyasa flows and more traditional Hatha classes. The membership costs $20 a year and mats are provided at each session. Medical students can also attend yoga classes offered at the Gary M. Sumers Recreation Center on the Danforth Campus (FREE GYM ACCESS FOR MED STUDENTS). They offer a variety of classes, including heated yoga and yoga sculpt. Students can hop on the (FREE) MetroLink near the medical center and get there in three stops or drive there in 10-15 minutes. For those who like the intimacy of yoga studios, Yoga Six is a popular spot in St. Louis. Other nearby studios include Urban Breath Yoga and Solar Yoga Center of St. Louis. In conclusion, there are plenty of affordable and convenient options for medical students of all levels to do yoga!